Comment by John Kelly on December 30, 2011 at 10:50pm

With all the honor and respect that must be due to reason, David is correct.  However, the point is spot on.

Comment by Willson Stoner on December 30, 2011 at 11:25pm

Um...everyone is still going to perish. Perhaps you should choose a different word.

Comment by Kris Feenstra on December 30, 2011 at 11:38pm

I missed your reply up until now, David.  Sorry about that.

Rhetoric is not my word.  It's a commonly understood term and any common dictionary should have revealed at least a couple of definitions.  One of those definitions should relate simply to effective speech, or to the study of rhetoric and rhetorical devices as they pertain to literature or grammar.  An encyclopedia or an English textbook would probably give you a god start on understanding what rhetoric is.  I can't sum it up here as it is an incredibly large subject.

When I stated that the message on the poster was rhetorical, I was stating that the wording was selected for its overall effect, and was meant to be given contextual consideration instead of being interpreted with strict literalism.  Now, you may not feel that the poster was well done or that the wording is not particularly effective.  That comes down to a matter of opinion.  The "error" you pointed out, on the other hand, is wasted text; it's pretty much a given that the author does not believe that merely believing in Islam will warp reality to that belief.  He is an atheist after all. 

Comment by Ron V on December 31, 2011 at 9:07am

How about:
If I believe, as a Christian, 1.5 billion Muslims will burn in hell for eternity.  If I believe, as a Muslim, 2.2 billion Christians will perish in hell for eternity.  If I do not believe, as an atheist, no one will burn in a mythological hell.

?

Comment by Ed on December 31, 2011 at 9:09am

@ Kris

"An encyclopedia or an English textbook would probably give you a god start on understanding what rhetoric is.  I can't sum it up here as it is an incredibly large subject."

Don't you mean "a start on understanding the rhetoric of god?"  :^ )

Comment by Kris Feenstra on December 31, 2011 at 9:32am

My 'o' key always sticks on me.  I keep trying to find the 'good' in the world, but my buggered up keyboard keeps leading me to 'god'.  It's a sign!  ...or more likely a defect.

Comment by Artor on December 31, 2011 at 12:00pm

I believe neither, but I'm pretty sure everyone is going to die. But at least Hell doesn't play a part in it.

Comment by John Kelly on December 31, 2011 at 2:51pm

Ron V for the win.

Comment by Dustin on December 31, 2011 at 6:17pm

I agree with David.  I think it should be retitled ' If Atheists are correct' , and then follow from there. 

If Islam is correct, 2.2 Christians will burn in hell for eternity... etc

Just a thought.  

Comment by Dustin on December 31, 2011 at 6:19pm

And I noticed a space is needed after the first period.  The 'If' is noticeably closer to 'eternity' than the 'But' is to 'eternity'.  Just sayin :)

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